Comcast readies rapid response team for digital transition

Comcast said yesterday that it has assembled a “rapid response team” to help TV viewers who are about to be left in the dark when the transition to digital is completed later this month.

Comcast said its Comcast Rapid Response Team will come to the aid of over-the-air TV viewers by installing its video service within 24 to 48 hours.

"One and done – that’s our DTV approach. One call to Comcast and we make sure consumers can continue watching TV, for as little as free," said Derek Harrar, senior vice president and general manager of video for Comcast Cable. "Whether they’re daunted by what they have to do, or they’re having reception issues with their new digital receiver or digital TV, call Comcast and our Rapid Response Teams will ensure their TV service works perfectly.”

No doubt, Comcast hopes to snare some new customers around the time of the June 12 digital TV transition, and to that end the nation’s largest cable operator is also offering free basic cable for 12 months for new customers who sign up for another one of Comcast’s services.

New customers who choose not to subscribe to an additional Comcast service can get basic cable for $10 a month for a full year. Current customers can add basic cable to additional TVs at no additional monthly fee. Basic cable in most areas has 20-30 channels, including broadcast stations such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Univision and PBS.